Marking the one-month countdown to the opening of the Tokyo Olympics, organizing committee President Seiko Hashimoto insisted Tuesday that holding the troubled event would ¡°contribute to the renewal of the connection of people through the power of sports¡± as the world continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic ¡ª even as questions remain over whether the games should be opening up to spectators.
Speaking to a media roundtable, Hashimoto ¡ª who assumed her role in February following the resignation of gaffe-prone former President Yoshiro Mori over sexist comments at a board meeting ¡ª said she thinks participating athletes will be understanding of restrictions that have seen overseas fans barred and local crowds severely limited.
¡°I believe athletes have a strong desire to have as many spectators as possible see them at the venues,¡± Hashimoto said. ¡°(However) I believe the athletes are fully aware of the situation surrounding the games, and I believe they are very thankful for the fact that the games are happening.¡±
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